Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not intimidating

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the fears and apprehensions when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center appears to the average individual as an intimidating place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are afraid of critical glances and judgments. It’s necessary to recognize the psychological aspects of potential clients to ensure their comfort. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, shared with Sostav insights the unexpected sides and nuances of the fitness world.

Jimphobia and gymnophobia

In English, there’s a term, gymphobia, indicating fear of the gym. Another less common term is jimtimidation, a blend of ‘gym’ (meaning hall) and ‘intimidation’ — it It’s about the anxiety a person feels about entering a fitness club, worried they’ll be the odd one out, attracting askew glances. Jimphobia is one of the reasons why individuals are hesitant to engage in fitness activities. Often, a fitness center appears to many as an elite place they’re not meant to be part of.

Before we define and understand gymphobia’s roots, it’s crucial to differentiate it from gymnophobia. This fear, too, is prevalent among clients and deters them from joining healthy lifestyle clubs. Yet, it’s a distinct fear — gymnophobia is the dread of nudity, the anxiety over being seen naked or undressed.

Many harbor complex feelings towards their body and nudity. People’s fear levels vary, influenced by different contexts. Some might dread public nudity, like in gym changing rooms, while others might be uncomfortable with the sight of others’ nudity. Numerous factors, including religious beliefs, past traumas, or body shame, can influence one’s reluctance to be seen naked or to view nudity.

Addressing nudity fears is challenging but beneficial for mental well-being and self-confidence. At Anvil Club, how have we tackled this issue? We’ve installed private shower stalls, offering a space not just for showering but also for changing in privacy. Our king-sized showers were designed for ultimate visitor comfort.

For gymnophobia, experts suggest practicing mirror exercises, where you observe and accept your naked reflection. Interestingly, Anvil boasts over a thousand mirrors, not just for self-acceptance but also due to a common trait among bodybuilders: narcissism, which I’ll discuss later.

Returning to jimphobia, this fear stems from various concerns:

• uncertainty about gym routines, how to execute exercises correctly, and appropriate behavior, often seen in newcomers;
• Self-comparison with surrounding individuals, particularly professional athletes;
• The impression of being observed, discussed, or judged by others.

How to overcome fears in the gym

To a newcomer, the gym environment can appear daunting. Some fitness machines are as complex as electric cars. Initial hesitations are common when trying something new. It’s common to question if they’re dressed correctly, will look out of place, or can keep up with the workout. This is a normal part of trying new experiences. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started as a beginner. All gym regulars began somewhere.

I advocate for dedicating the first few sessions to learning. My advice is to hire a personal trainer. Personal training has proven benefits. As the gym becomes a habit, anxiety decreases. Consistent attendance reduces gym anxiety.

A common issue for newcomers is not knowing how to use the equipment. A simple remedy is an introductory tour. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from trainers. We provide support for first-timers at Anvil.

Another source of intimidation is social comparison. Observing others’ achievements can lead to comparisons. These comparisons can have negative effects. My advice is to avoid comparing yourself to others.

A third common gym fear is feeling observed. Most people are too focused on their workouts to notice others. Judgment from others says more about them than about you. Let go of these concerns.

Most gyms provide introductory sessions. Join group classes like Pilates or yoga to get familiar and socialize. A modern gym is not just for exercise but also a place for comfort and socializing. Don’t be held back by gym fears. Join us at Anvil and embrace your fitness journey.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

Know someone who’s overly self-assured in their fitness abilities? What about those who can’t handle criticism? Or the person who constantly seeks attention through loud or showy behaviors? This behavior is indicative of gym narcissism.

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of empathy. While some level of fitness focus is positive, obsession can be detrimental. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.

Narcissism isn’t truly about self-love. It’s more apt to describe sports narcissists as individuals obsessed with their physical prowess, which is essentially an addictive behavior. They are infatuated by an idealized version of themselves, which serves as a shield against their underlying feelings of inadequacy, shame, and insecurity. Are there many narcissists in fitness clubs? Indeed, there are.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, echoed in the adage: A healthy body harbors a healthy spirit. Addressing deep-seated fears or narcissism often necessitates expert intervention. Hence, incorporating therapy sessions alongside regular fitness routines offers comprehensive self-care.